Social assistance

The Consulate has a social aid budget to assist French nationals facing difficulties in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) and Bermuda.
This budget is determined annually by a Consular Council for Social Aid and Protection. The Council is presided by the Consul General and reviews all the requests for assistance.

Social Solidarity Allowance Granted to:
o individuals over 65 years of age (or over 60, in in the event of a medically documented work incapacity)
o with a low income

Adult with a disability allowance Granted to:
o individuals over 20 years of age
o with a low income
o holders of a disability card with a degree of disability of at least 80%, issued by the Departmental Home for Disabled Persons (“Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées”)
The Consulate General can assist you with the application for a disability card.

Child with a disability allowance
The allowance is granted to any individual responsible for the care of a child or a teenager with a disability. It is for children:
o under 20 years of age
o with a degree of disability of at least 50%, and holders of a disability card issued by the Departmental Home for Disabled Persons (“Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées”)
The Consulate General can assist you with the application for a disability card.
This allowance is not means-tested. However, if the child also receives American assistance, or assistance from a parent’s employer for the disability, the amount received through these channels will be deducted from the allowance granted by the Consulate.

Fixed-term allowance aims to provide support over period of a few months to French nationals experiencing personal or family difficulties
is granted exceptionally after a detailed review of the individual’s situation

Occasional Relief
Low amount financial assistance can be granted exceptionally to French nationals currently registered in the database of “French Citizens Abroad” to help them cover the costs of basic essential needs.

Exceptional Assistance
Exceptional, low amount assistance can be granted to French nationals not on the database of “French Citizens Abroad”, or visiting, to help them cover the costs of basic essential needs.

Contact the social services of the Consulate General. An interview will be scheduled, at the Consulate, in your home or over the phone if you are unable to travel, in order to discuss your situation, assess your difficulties, your income and financial responsibilities.

Your Contact at the French Consulate General in New York:
Sophie Giloppe – (212) 606 3602 sophie.giloppe@diplomatie.gouv.fr